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- Why in News?
- The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), launched in 2016, has successfully completed nine years, significantly transforming access to clean cooking fuel in India.
- Key Provisions:-
- Implemented by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the scheme aims to provide LPG connections to rural and economically weaker households that traditionally relied on polluting fuels like firewood and dung cakes.
- The initial target was to provide 8 crore LPG connections by 2020, which was later extended under Ujjwala 2.0 with an additional 1.6 crore connections, focusing on migrant families.
- Eligibility is limited to women above 18 from disadvantaged groups such as SC/ST communities, forest dwellers, and beneficiaries of schemes like PMAY-G and AAY.
- As of March 2025, over 10.33 crore connections have been issued. The number of LPG distributors also rose significantly—from 13,896 in 2014 to 25,481 in 2024—reflecting an 83% increase and expanding last-mile delivery across the country.
- Why in News?
- French AI startup Mistral has unveiled Europe’s first reasoning-based language model (RLM), marking a significant advancement in artificial intelligence.
- Key Provisions:-
- While traditional large language models (LLMs) excel at understanding and generating human-like text using massive datasets, RLMs introduce a new dimension—structured reasoning.
- These models use techniques like chain-of-thought processing, allowing them to approach complex tasks by logically breaking down problems into intermediate steps.
- This enhances their ability to deliver more accurate, context-aware responses. Unlike conventional LLMs that primarily rely on data scale and computational power, RLMs focus on how the model reasons through challenges, pushing the boundaries of problem-solving in AI. However, these models come with certain challenges, such as high development costs, proprietary frameworks, and intricate design requirements.
- Mistral’s move positions Europe as a serious contender in the global AI race, offering an alternative approach to reasoning and decision-making in natural language systems.
- Why in News?
- The Full Bench of the Lokpal of India has adopted a new motto: “Empower Citizens, Expose Corruption,” reflecting its renewed commitment to transparency and accountability in public life.
- Key Provisions:-
- The Lokpal is a statutory body established under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, to investigate corruption complaints against public functionaries, including the Prime Minister and officials both within and outside India.
- The institution is composed of a Chairperson and eight Members. To be eligible, members must be at least 45 years old, not be sitting members of Parliament or State Legislatures, and must not have any criminal convictions.
- The Chairperson can be the Chief Justice of India, a Supreme Court judge, or a person of distinguished public standing.
- Each member serves a term of five years or until reaching the age of 70, whichever comes first. The new motto emphasizes the Lokpal’s proactive stance in empowering citizens and combating corruption at all levels.